A US university's fraternity is under investigation after sending a racist email encouraging its members to rape women, less than a week after a video surfaced of another society singing highly offensive chants on a bus.
Warning: some readers may find the content of this article upsetting.
The email, from a student belonging to the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Maryland University, Washington, was sent in 2014 but has only just come to light, WTOP reports.
The student tells their friends not to invite girls from certain races, "unless they're hot", and to "forget" about consent.
The email in full. HuffPost UK has blurred out the most offensive language
The email, which was addressed to six members, read: "Regardless of the rush shirt let's get ratchet as f**k during rush week. My d**k will be sucked and f***ed in compound basement whether you guys like it or not. Don't invite any n****r gals or curry monsters or slanted eye ch****, unless they're hot. Ziggy you're girl can come she's cool. Remember my n****s, erect, assert, and insert, and above all else f**k consent d***s untouched."
A statement from the university's president Wallace Loh read: "On Tuesday, March 10, 2015, the University of Maryland became aware of an email dated January 2014, 15 months ago. The vulgar language in the email expresses views that are reprehensible to our campus community. We immediately met with the individual involved and a University investigation is currently underway, led by the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct.
"We are in contact with the University chapter of Kappa Sigma and they have taken swift and decisive action in this matter. At their request, the University has committed to provide educational training on diversity and respect for the entire fraternity. The University of Maryland remains committed to our core values of respect for human dignity, diversity, and inclusiveness. We are deeply saddened by the impact this email is having on our community."
Useful websites and helplines:
- Rape Crisis services for women and girls who have been raped or have experienced sexual violence - 0808 802 9999
- Survivors UK offers support for men and boys - 0845 122 1201